Lens mounting mechanism, lens mounting method, and image pickup device

ABSTRACT

A camera module system for a vehicle, an image pickup device, and a method. The camera module system including a lens holder, a case, a first engaging part, and a second engaging part. The lens holder is configured to mount a lens, the lens holder having a first surface that is perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens. The case is configured to mount the lens holder, the case having a second surface that faces the first surface. The first engaging part is on the first surface, the first engaging part including a plurality of first projections. The second engaging part is on the second surface, the second engaging part including a plurality of second projections. The first engaging part is engaged with the second engaging part when the plurality of first projections is engaged with the plurality of second projections.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/185,871, filed Jun. 17, 2016, which is aContinuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/406,771,filed on Dec. 10, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,386,204, issued Jul. 5,2016, which is a 371 National Stage Entry of International ApplicationNo.: PCT/JP2013/065567, filed on Jun. 5, 2013, and which claims priorityto Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-170054, filed with the JapanPatent Office on Jul. 31, 2012, the entire contents of theseapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technique relates to a lens mounting mechanism, a lensmounting method, and an image pickup device. In particular, an imagepickup lens can be precisely mounted at a desired position.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, an image pickup device having an image pickup lens andan image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) and acomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) has been widely appliedto a vehicle-mounted camera.

The image pickup device has the image sensor positioned at an imagingposition of the image pickup lens and stored in a case. Also, the imagesensor, a circuit, and the like in the case are protected from water,dust, and the like by giving the airtightness to the image pickupdevice. The image pickup device is fixed to a reference plane of avehicle body of an object to be mounted, and used.

In order to obtain the airtightness for the image pickup device, theimage pickup device is stored, for example, in a waterproof case inwhich an aperture part on an objective side of the front surface issealed with plane glass. However, when an angle of view of the imagepickup device stored in the waterproof case is wide, an angle of anincident light beam is constrained by the plane glass. Also, since it isnecessary to use wide plane glass in order to ensure a wide angle ofincidence, downsizing becomes difficult. Therefore, for example inPatent Document 1, a wide angle of view is ensured and miniaturizationis performed by providing a lens barrel in which a second lens and asubsequent lens of a wide-angle lens group is fixed in the waterproofcase by using the waterproof case. The aperture of the waterproof caseis sealed by a first lens of the wide-angle lens group.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-90603

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

When a lens seals an aperture of a waterproof case, for example, anO-ring is used in Patent Document 1. FIG. 1 is an exemplaryconfiguration of a case where airtightness is ensured by using theO-ring.

An exterior of an image pickup device 10 has a configuration in which afront case 21 and a rear case 22 are combined, and the rear case 22 isfixed on a vehicle and the like. An insertion hole 212, in which a lensholder 32 is inserted, is formed on a front part 211 of the front case21. The lens holder 32 has the image pickup lens fixed therein. Also, anannular recess 213 is formed on a side of a case inner surface of theinsertion hole 212.

An O-ring 41 is mounted on an outer peripheral side of the lens holder32 in the insertion part 321, and the O-ring 41 is inserted into theinsertion hole 212 of the front case 21. Also, the O-ring 41 mounted onthe outer peripheral side is fit to the annular recess 213 of theinsertion hole 212 by inserting the insertion part 321 of the lensholder 32 into the insertion hole 212.

Therefore, the lens holder 32 is fixed at a predetermined positionrelative to the front case 21 by inserting the insertion part 321 of thelens holder 32 into the insertion hole 212 of the front case 21. Also,since the O-ring 41 intervenes between the annular recess 213 and theinsertion part 321, the airtightness between the front case 21 and thelens holder 32 can be ensured.

An image sensor 51 is mounted on a substrate 52 and precisely fixedrelative to an image forming surface and positioned corresponding to theoptical axis of the image pickup lens via a lens mounting support 322and the substrate 52 so as to maintain image forming performance.

Also, a processing circuit for performing signal processing of an imagesignal generated by the image sensor 51 is provided in a substrate 53,and the substrates 52 and 53 are electrically connected via theconnector 54. Also, the substrate 52 is positioned relative to thesubstrate 53 by connecting the substrates 52 and 53 via the connector54.

A substrate mounting part 55 is provided on an inner surface side of ahousing of the rear case 22. The substrate mounting part 55 has thesubstrate 53 mounted thereon. Also, the substrate 53 is mounted on thesubstrate mounting part 55, and the position of the image sensor 51relative to the rear case 22 is determined. The substrate 53 isconnected to a wiring member 56, for example, flexible printed circuits(FPC), to connect an external device.

In this way, when the airtightness is ensured by intervening the O-ring41 between the front case 21 and the lens holder 32, the lens holder 32is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the front case 21. Atthis time, it is necessary to compress the O-ring at a desiredcompression rate and push the O-ring in the insertion hole 212 in orderto ensure adequate water-proofing capability. Consequently, centering ofthe lens holder 32 is strongly performed relative to the annular recess213. On the other hand, the substrates 52 and 53 are connected via theconnector 54, and the substrate 53 is mounted on the substrate mountingpart 55. This makes the image sensor 51 be fixed at the predeterminedposition relative to the rear case 22. Therefore, in a case where thecomponent accuracy and assembly accuracy of the image sensor 51, thesubstrates 52 and 53, and the substrate mounting part 55 are not high,position deviation occurs when the mounting has been completed. Then,the unnecessary variation of the positions occurs, for example, betweenthe optical axis of the image pickup lens held by the lens mountingsupport 322 and the image sensor 51.

In this technique, the image pickup lens can be precisely mounted withthe airtightness at the desired position and the position deviationcaused by cumulative tolerance of all the mounted components can beabsorbed.

Solutions to Problems

A first aspect of the technique is a lens mounting mechanism including alens holder configured to hold an image pickup lens and a caseconfigured to have an insertion hole to which the lens holder isinserted. An insertion part for being inserted into the insertion holeof the case in an insertion direction which is an optical axis directionof the image pickup lens and a regulation part for regulating theinsertion are formed in the lens holder. Engaging parts are provided ona surface opposed to the case of the regulation part of the lens holderand a surface opposed to the regulation part of the case, and theengaging parts are formed so that the position of the lens holderrelative to the case can be adjusted in a state where the engaging parton the surface opposed to the case and the engaging part on the surfaceopposed to the regulation part are engaged with each other.

In this technique, the insertion part which is inserted into theinsertion hole of the case in the insertion direction which is theoptical axis direction of the image pickup lens and the regulation partfor regulating the insertion are formed in the lens holder for holdingthe image pickup lens. Engaging parts are provided on a surface opposedto the case of the regulation part of the lens holder and a surfaceopposed to the regulation part of the case. For example, the projectionsare formed, surrounding the insertion part, in the engaging part on thesurface opposed to the case, and the projections are formed, surroundingthe insertion hole, in the engaging part on the surface opposed to theregulation part. Also, an interval of the projections of the engagingpart on the surface opposed to the case is formed wider than that of theengaging part on the surface opposed to the regulation part, and aninterval of the projections of the engaging part on the surface opposedto the regulation part is formed wider than that of the engaging part onthe surface opposed to the case. The position of the lens holderrelative to the case can be adjusted by forming the engaging parts inthis way in a state where the engaging part on the surface opposed tothe case and the engaging part on the surface opposed to the regulationpart are engaged with each other. Then, the engaged region is bondedwith the adhesive member, which also has a role of a filler, in anengaging state where the lens holder is positioned at a desiredposition. Also, a conduction groove is provided in the projection in aradial direction, and air and the like sealed between the projections isdischarged to the outside of the engaged region via the conductiongroove at the time of the engagement. The engaged region is filled withthe adhesive member.

A second aspect of the technique is a lens mounting method including aprocess for inserting a lens holder, in which an insertion part insertedinto an insertion hole of a case in an insertion direction which is anoptical axis direction of an image pickup lens and a regulation part forregulating the insertion are formed, in the case having the insertionhole in which the lens holder for holding the image pickup lens isinserted formed therein, a process for engaging an engaging partprovided on a surface opposed to the case in the regulation part of theinserted lens holder with an engaging part provided on a surface opposedto the regulation part in the case, a process for adjusting the positionof the lens holder based on an image signal of an imaged image generatedby an image sensor based on an optical image generated by the imagepickup lens, and a process for bonding the engaging parts to each otherin a state where the engaging parts are engaged at an adjusted positionof the lens holder.

A third aspect of the technique is an image pickup device including alens holder configured to hold an image pickup lens, a front caseconfigured to have an insertion hole, formed therein, where the lensholder is inserted, a rear case configured to be combined with the frontcase, and an image sensor configured to be provided in the case in whichthe front case is combined with the rear case and generate an imagesignal of an imaged image based on an optical image generated by theimage pickup lens. An insertion part for being inserted into theinsertion hole of the front case in an insertion direction which is anoptical axis direction of the image pickup lens and a regulation partfor regulating the insertion are formed in the lens holder. Engagingparts are provided on a surface opposed to the front case of theregulation part of the lens holder and on a surface opposed to theregulation part of the front case. The engaging parts are formed so thatthe position of the lens holder relative to the case can be adjusted ina state where the engaging part of the surface opposed to the case andthe engaging part on the surface opposed to the regulation part areengaged with each other, and the engaging parts are bonded to each otherin a state where the image pickup lens is positioned at a desiredposition and a space between the engaging parts are filled with anadhesive member.

Effects of the Invention

According to this technique, the insertion part which is inserted intothe insertion hole of the case in the insertion direction which is theoptical axis direction of the image pickup lens and the regulation partfor regulating the insertion are formed in the lens holder for holdingthe image pickup lens. Also, the insertion hole formed in a case towhich the lens holder is mounted. The lens holder is inserted into theinsertion hole. The engaging parts are provided on the surface opposedto the case of the regulation part of the lens holder and on the surfaceopposed to the regulation part of the case. The engaging parts areformed so that the position of the lens holder relative to the case canbe adjusted in a state where the engaging part on the surface opposed tothe case and the engaging part on the surface opposed to the regulationpart have been engaged with each other. Therefore, when the engagingpart of the lens holder and that of the case are engaged and the lensholder is fixed to the case, the image pickup lens can be preciselymounted at a desired position with the airtightness. The effectsdescribed herein are only exemplary and not limited, and an additionalaffect can be made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary configuration of a case whereairtightness is ensured by using an O-ring.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary configuration of one embodiment ofan image pickup device according to the present technique.

FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are views of a first embodiment of a front case anda lens holder.

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are views of a case where central axes of aninsertion hole and the lens holder coincide with each other.

FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are views of a case where the position of the lensholder is moved in the left direction relative to the insertion hole.

FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) are views of a case where the central axis of thelens holder is inclined relative to the insertion hole.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a case where the lens holder is fixed on thefront case at an adjusted position.

FIG. 8 is a view of a second embodiment of a front case and a lensholder.

FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams for describing a state of an assemblywhen conduction grooves have been formed.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present technique will be described below. Thedescription will be in the following order.

1. Configuration of image pickup device

2. First embodiment of front case and lens holder

3. Second embodiment of front case and lens holder

1. Configuration of Image Pickup Device

FIG. 2 is an exemplary configuration of one embodiment of an imagepickup device for using a lens mounting mechanism according to thepresent technique. An exterior of an image pickup device 11 has aconfiguration in which a front case 25 and a rear case 26 are combined,and the rear case 26 is fixed on a vehicle and the like. Also, the frontcase 25 is combined with the rear case 26 so that the exterior of theimage pickup device 11 has an airtight structure.

An insertion hole 255 is formed, for example, in a front part 251 of thefront case 25. A lens holder 35 for holding an image pickup lens isinserted into the insertion hole 255. Also, an engaging part 252 isformed on an inner surface side of a case of the front part 251, thatis, a surface opposed to a regulation part to be described.

In the lens holder 35, a regulation part 351 for regulating theinsertion into the front case 25 and an insertion part 355 which isinserted into the insertion hole 255 of the front case 25 in aninsertion direction which is an optical axis direction of the imagepickup lens are formed. An engaging part 352 is formed on a surfaceopposed to the front case 25 in the regulation part 351.

The engaging part 252 can be engaged with the engaging part 352 when theinsertion part 355 of the lens holder 35 is inserted into the insertionhole 255 of the front case 25. Also, when the engaging parts 252 and 352have been engaged with each other, the position of the lens holder 35relative to the front case 25, that is, the position of the optical axisof the image pickup lens held by the lens holder 35 has a gap ofcumulative mounting tolerance, because the optical axis is uniquelyadjusted and fixed relative to the image sensor as described below. Theimage pickup device 11 has a structure which can be hermetically sealedwhile absorbing arbitrary position deviation in the engaging parts.

When the insertion hole 255 is inserted into the insertion part 355 ofthe lens holder 35 and the engaging parts 252 and 352 are engaged witheach other, the positions of the lens holder 35 is adjusted so that theoptical axis of the image pickup lens is positioned at a predeterminedposition of the image sensor 51 to be described. After that, theengaging parts 252 and 352 are bonded to each other by using an adhesivemember which also has a role of a filler, and the airtightness of themounting part of the lens holder 35 is ensured.

The image sensor 51 is mounted on the substrate 52 and precisely fixedrelative to an image forming surface and positioned corresponding to theoptical axis of the image pickup lens via a lens mounting support 356and the substrate 52 so as to maintain image forming performance. Aprocessing circuit for performing signal processing of an image signalgenerated by the image sensor 51 is provided in the substrate 53, andthe substrates 52 and 53 are electrically connected via the connector54. Also, the substrate 52 is positioned relative to the substrate 53 byconnecting the substrates 52 and 53 via the connector 54.

The substrate mounting part 55 is provided on the inner surface side ofrear case 22. The substrate mounting part 55 has the substrate 53mounted thereon.

Also, the substrate 53 is mounted on the substrate mounting part 55, andthe position of the image sensor 51 relative to the rear case 22 isdetermined. The substrate 53 is connected to a wiring member 56, forexample, flexible printed circuits (FPC), to connect an external device.

2. First Embodiment of Front Case and Lens Holder

Next, a first embodiment of the front case and the lens holder will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B). To simplify thedescription, the engaging part 252 and the insertion hole 255 in thefront case 25 are illustrated in FIG. 3(A). Also, the lens holder 35 isillustrated in FIG. 3(B). In FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), in order to clarifythe shape of the engaging parts and the like, a part of the front case25 and the lens holder 35 in a circumferential direction is cut off anda cross-section surface is illustrated (the same is applied to theperspective view to be described in the first embodiment). Also, animage pickup lens 31 is mounted in the lens holder 35 so that thecentral axis of the insertion part 355 substantially coincides with theoptical axis of the image pickup lens 31. The image pickup lens 31 willbe omitted in the following drawings.

The engaging part 252 is engaged with the engaging part 352 when theinsertion part 355 of the lens holder 35 is inserted into the insertionhole 255 of the front case 25.

Projections 2521 are formed in the engaging part 252 on a surfaceopposed to a regulation part 251 a, and the projections 2521 are formedsurrounding the insertion hole 255, for example, in a ring shape andhaving the insertion hole 255 as the center. Also, projections 3521 areformed in the engaging part 352 on a surface opposed to the front case351 a, and projections 3521 are formed surrounding the insertion part355, for example, in a ring shape and having the insertion part 355 asthe center. That is, the engaging parts 252 and 352 are formed in aprojected and recessed shape in a radial direction from the center ofthe insertion hole 255 and the insertion part 355. In addition, theengaging parts 252 and 352 are engaged by inserting the projections ofone of the engaging parts between the projections of the other engagingpart. For example, a distance between the center of the insertion hole255 and the ring-shaped projection 2521 is set different from a distancebetween the center of the insertion part 355 and the ring-shapedprojection 3521, and accordingly, the projections 2521 of the engagingpart 252 are inserted between the projections 3521 of the engaging part352. The plurality of projections 2521 and 3521 is formed in FIGS. 3(A)and 3(B). However, one or more projections can be provided.

In addition, an interval Wa of the projections 2521 of the engaging part252 is formed wider than that of the projections 3521 of the engagingpart 352, and an interval Wb of the projections 3521 of the engagingpart 352 is formed wider than that of the projections 2521 of theengaging part 252 on the surface opposed to the regulation part 251 a.When the engaging parts 252 and 352 are formed in this way, the positionof the lens holder 35 can be adjusted relative to the front case 25while the engaging part 252 has been engaged with the engaging part 352.

Also, when the engaging parts 252 and 352 are formed as indicated inFIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), an inner end of a boundary part between theinsertion hole 255 and the insertion part 355 becomes a bottom surface3551 of a region surrounded by the projection 3521 of the engaging part352 and the insertion part 355 in a state where the insertion part 355has been inserted into the insertion hole 255. Also, a distance from theinner end of the boundary part to the inside of the case becomes longerthan that of a case where the engaging parts 252 and 352 are not formed,because the engaging parts 252 and 352 are formed in a projected andrecessed shape. Therefore, entry of water and the like from the boundarypart between the insertion hole 255 and the insertion part 355 can beeffectively prevented by a long bonded part to the bottom surface 3551and the inside of the case.

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are views of a case where central axes of theinsertion hole of the front case and the insertion part of the lensholder coincide with each other. FIG. 4(A) is a perspective view, andFIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional view. An alternate long and short dashline indicates the central axes of the insertion hole 255 of the frontcase 25 and the insertion part 355 of the lens holder 35. A gap isgenerated between the insertion hole 255 and the insertion part 355 in astate where the central axes of the insertion hole 255 of the front case25 and the insertion part 355 of the lens holder 35 coincide with eachother and the insertion part 355 is inserted into the insertion hole255. The gaps are also generated on both sides of the projections 2521and 3521.

Therefore, the position of the lens holder 35 can be adjusted relativeto the front case 25 in a state where the insertion part 355 has beeninserted into the insertion hole 255 of the front case 25.

FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are views of a case where the position of theinsertion part of the lens holder has moved in the left directionrelative to the insertion hole of the front case. FIG. 5(A) is aperspective view, and FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view. An alternatelong and short dash line indicates the central axis of the insertionhole 255 of the front case 25, and an alternate long and two shortdashes line indicates the central axis of the insertion part 355 of thelens holder 35. When the position of the insertion part 355 of the lensholder 35 has moved in the left direction, a left-side surface of theinsertion part 355 contacts with the insertion hole 255. A right-sidesurface of the projection 2521 contacts with a left-side surface of theprojection 3521.

FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) are views of a case where the insertion part of thelens holder is inclined relative to the insertion hole of the frontcase. FIG. 6(A) is a perspective view, and FIG. 6(B) is across-sectional view. An alternate long and short dash line indicatesthe central axis of the insertion hole 255 of the front case 25, and analternate long and two short dashes line indicates the central axis ofthe insertion part 355 of the lens holder 35. When the central axis ofthe lens holder 35 has inclined, for example, in the left direction, therightmost projection 2521 contacts with the regulation part 351 forexample. Although the projections 2521 and 3521 in the left side haswider interval with a surface opposed to the projection, the engagementbetween the projections 2521 and 3521 is maintained.

In this way, the image pickup device 11 can adjust the position of thelens holder 35 relative to the front case 25 while the engaging part 252of the front case 25 is engaged with the engaging part 352 of the lensholder 35. Therefore, the position (including tilt) of the lens holder35 relative to the front case 25 is adjusted so that a gap of cumulativemounting tolerance is absorbed and the optical axis of the image pickuplens is positioned at a desired position.

After that, the engaging parts are bonded to each other, in a statewhere they are engaged with each other, by using an adhesive memberwhich also has a role of a filler. Then, the lens holder 35 is fixed tothe front case 25 at the adjusted position as indicated in FIG. 7. Asthe adhesive member having the role of the filler, a naturally-curedfluid adhesive which cures as the time elapses may be used. Timenecessary for curing may be shortened by using a fluid adhesive whichcures by applying heat or irradiating with an ultraviolet ray.

The position of the lens holder 35 is adjusted based on an imaged imagegenerated by the image sensor 51 according to an optical image. Theoptical image is generated by the image pickup lens held by the lensholder 35. That is, the position of the lens holder 35 is adjusted basedon the imaged image so that the optical axis of the image pickup lens ispositioned at the desired position. After that, the engaged region isbonded with the adhesive and the like at the adjusted position of thelens holder.

By mounting the image pickup lens in this way, the image pickup lens canbe adjusted to the desired position even when the component accuracy andassembly accuracy of the image sensor 51, the substrates 52 and 53, andthe substrate mounting part 55 of the image pickup device 11 are nothigh. Therefore, the assembling accuracy can be easily and inexpensivelyimproved. Also, since the engaging part between the front case 25 andthe lens holder 35 is filled with the adhesive and the like and bonded,the airtightness of the mounting part of the lens holder 35 can beensured. In addition, the front case 25 is engaged with the lens holder35 by providing the projections. Therefore, the entry of water and thelike from the boundary part between the front case 25 and the lensholder 35 can be effectively prevented compared with a case where theengaging parts are not provided, that is, a case where the surfaceopposed to the regulation part of the front case 25 and the surfaceopposed to the front case of the lens holder 35 are bonded to each otherwith the adhesive member.

3. Second Embodiment of Front Case and Lens Holder

When the engaging part 252 of the front case 25 and the engaging part352 of the lens holder 35 are engaged with each other and bonded to eachother with the adhesive member having a role of a filler, the air sealedbetween the projections hardly escapes to the outside in a case wherethe projections are formed surrounding the insertion hole 255 of thefront case 25 and the insertion part 355 of the lens holder 35.Therefore, there is a possibility that a space is generated in thebonded part and deterioration of the airtightness of the bonded part andthe like occurs. In the second embodiment, a structure which can preventthe deterioration of the airtightness of the bonded part and the likewill be described.

FIG. 8 indicates the second embodiment of the lens holder. In the secondembodiment, in the engaging part 352 of the lens holder 35, a projection3521 is formed surrounding the insertion part 355, for example, in aring shape and having the insertion part 355 as a center. That is, theengaging part 352 is formed in a projected and recessed shape in aradial direction from the center of the insertion part 355. A distancebetween the center of the insertion part 355 and the ring-shapedprojection 3521 is set different from that between the center of theinsertion hole 255 and the ring-shaped projection 2521 formed in theengaging part 252 of the front case 25. By setting the distances in thisway, the engaging parts 252 and 352 are engaged with each other byinserting the projection of one of the engaging parts into theprojections of the other engaging part.

A conduction groove 3523 is formed in the ring-shaped projection 3521 inthe radial direction. One or a plurality of conduction grooves 3523 isformed for each ring-shaped projection 3521.

Also, a case where the conduction groove 3523 is formed in theprojection 3521 of the engaging part 352 has been described withreference to FIG. 8. However, a conduction groove may be formed in theradial direction in the projection 2521 of the engaging part 252 in thefront case 25. Also, when the conduction grooves are formed in theprojection 2521 of the engaging part 252 and the projection 3521 of theengaging part 352, the deterioration of the airtightness of the bondedpart and the like can be efficiently prevented as described below.

FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams for describing a state of an assemblywhen the conduction grooves have been formed. Since a plurality ofprojections 2521 and 3521 is formed in a ring shape, it is difficult todischarge air remaining between the projections to the outside when theprojections 2521 and 3521 are engaged with each other. Therefore, forexample, as indicated in FIG. 9(A), it is possible that an air layerremains in the engaged region and the airtightness is deteriorated afterthe adhesive has cured. However, when the conduction grooves are formed,the air between the projections can be discharged via the conductiongrooves in a case where the projections 2521 and 3521 are engaged witheach other. Therefore, as indicated in FIG. 9(B), it can be preventedthat the air layer remain in the engaged region, and the airtightnesscan be more certainly ensured. Also, since not only the air but also anextra adhesive moves via the conduction grooves, the adhesive moves to apart for lacking the adhesive.

Therefore, the engaged region is more certainly filled with theadhesive, and the airtightness of the engaged region can be morecertainly ensured. In addition, when the conduction groove is formed inthe radial direction in the projection 2521 in the engaging part 252 ofthe front case 25, the air in the engaged region can be more certainlydischarged from the engaged region and the adhesive member, which has arole of a filler, can effectively move. Accordingly, the deteriorationof the airtightness of the bonded part can be efficiently prevented. Inorder to clarify the movement of the second embodiment, an example of acase where the conduction grooves are formed side by side in the radialdirection is illustrated in FIG. 9(B).

By configuring the lens mounting mechanism as described above, themounting of the image pickup lens to the front case with theairtightness can be realized while the position deviation is absorbedand the position of the image pickup lens relative to the image sensoris precisely adjusted. The position of the front case may be deviatedfrom an ideal design position with the cumulative tolerance of themounting. Also, the present technique should not be limited to theabove-mentioned embodiments of the technique and understood. In theembodiments of the technique, the present technique is disclosed in anexample. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can modify andsubstitute the embodiment without departing from the scope of thepresent technique. That is, claims should be considered in order todetermine the scope of the present technique.

The lens mounting mechanism of the present technique can also have aconfiguration below.

(1) A lens mounting mechanism comprising:

a lens holder configured to hold an image pickup lens; and

a case configured to have an insertion hole, in which the lens holder isinserted, formed in the case, wherein

an insertion part for being inserted into the insertion hole of the casein an insertion direction which is an optical axis direction of theimage pickup lens and a regulation part for regulating the insertion areformed in the lens holder,

engaging parts are provided on a surface opposed to the case of theregulation part of the lens holder and a surface opposed to theregulation part of the case, and

the engaging parts are formed so that the position of the lens holderrelative to the case can be adjusted in a state where the engaging parton the surface opposed to the case and the engaging part on the surfaceopposed to the regulation part are engaged with each other.

(2) The lens mounting mechanism according to (1), wherein

the engaging part on the surface opposed to the case has one or moreprojections formed therein surrounding the insertion part, and theengaging part on the surface opposed to the regulation part has one ormore projections formed therein surrounding the insertion hole, andthen, the projections of one engaging part are inserted between theprojections of the other engaging part so that the engaging parts areengaged with each other, and

an interval of the projections of the engaging part on the surfaceopposed to the case is formed wider than that of the projections of theengaging part on the surface opposed to the regulation part, and aninterval of the projections of the engaging part on the surface opposedto the regulation part is formed wider than that of the projections ofthe engaging part on the surface opposed to the case.

(3) The lens mounting mechanism according to (2), wherein

a conduction groove is provided in the projection in a radial direction.

(4) The lens mounting mechanism according to any of (1) to (3), wherein

the engaging part on the surface opposed to the case and the engagingpart on the surface opposed to the regulation part are bonded to eachother in an engaging state where the lens holder is positioned at adesired position.

(5) The lens mounting mechanism according to (4), wherein

the engaging part on the surface opposed to the case and the engagingpart on the surface opposed to the regulation part are bonded to eachother in a state where a space between the engaging parts is filled withan adhesive member.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the lens mounting mechanism, the lens mounting method, and the imagepickup device according to this technique, the insertion part which isinserted into the insertion hole of the case in the insertion directionwhich is the optical axis direction of the image pickup lens and theregulation part for regulating the insertion are formed in the lensholder for holding the image pickup lens. Also, the insertion hole isformed in a case to which the lens holder is mounted. The lens holder isinserted into the insertion hole. The engaging parts are provided on thesurface opposed to the case of the regulation part of the lens holderand on the surface opposed to the regulation part of the case. Theengaging parts are formed so that the position of the lens holderrelative to the case can be adjusted in a state where the engaging parton the surface opposed to the case and the engaging part on the surfaceopposed to the regulation part are engaged with each other. Therefore,when the engaging part of the lens holder and that of the case areengaged and the lens holder is fixed to the case, the image pickup lenscan be precisely mounted at a desired position with the airtightness.Therefore, the image pickup device according to this technique issuitable for an electronic device, for example, an image pickup deviceand the like for vehicle. It is necessary for the electronic device tohave an imaging function and the airtightness.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   10, 11 image pickup device-   21, 25 front case-   22, 26 rear case-   31 image pickup lens-   32, 35 lens holder-   41 O-ring-   51 image sensor-   52, 53 substrate-   54 connector-   55 substrate mounting part-   56 wiring member-   211, 251 front part-   212, 255 insertion hole-   213 annular recess-   251 a surface opposed to the regulation part-   252, 352 engaging part-   351 regulation part-   351 a surface opposed to the front case-   321, 355 insertion part-   322, 356 lens mounting support-   2521, 3521 projection-   3523 conduction groove-   3551 bottom surface

1. A camera module system for a vehicle, the camera module systemcomprising: a lens holder configured to mount a lens, the lens holderhaving a first surface that is perpendicular to an optical axis of thelens; a case configured to mount the lens holder, the case having asecond surface that faces the first surface; a first engaging part onthe first surface, the first engaging part including a plurality offirst projections; and a second engaging part on the second surface, thesecond engaging part including a plurality of second projections,wherein a first interval of the plurality of first projections is widerthan a first width of one of the plurality of second projections,wherein a second interval of the plurality of second projections iswider than a second width of one of the plurality of first projections,and wherein the first engaging part is engaged with the second engagingpart when the plurality of first projections is engaged with theplurality of second projections.
 2. The camera module system accordingto claim 1, wherein the case has an inner surface and an outer surface,and wherein the plurality of second projections is formed on the innersurface.
 3. The camera module system according to claim 2, wherein thecase defines an insertion aperture, and wherein a portion of the lensholder is inserted into the insertion aperture.
 4. The camera modulesystem according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first projectionshas a ring shape from a view in a direction of the optical axis.
 5. Thecamera module system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality ofsecond projections has a ring shape from a view in a direction of theoptical axis.
 6. The camera module system according to claim 1, whereinthe plurality of first projections includes a conduction groove.
 7. Thecamera module system according to claim 1, further comprising anadhesive configured to bond the first engaging part to the secondengaging part.
 8. An image pickup device comprising: a lens holderconfigured to mount a lens, the lens holder having a first surface thatis perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens; a case configured tomount the lens holder, the case having a second surface that faces thefirst surface; a first engaging part on the first surface, the firstengaging part including a plurality of first projections; and a secondengaging part on the second surface, the second engaging part includinga plurality of second projections, wherein a first interval of theplurality of first projections is wider than a first width of one of theplurality of second projections, wherein a second interval of theplurality of second projections is wider than a second width of one ofthe plurality of first projections, and wherein the first engaging partis engaged with the second engaging part when the plurality of firstprojections is engaged with the plurality of second projections.
 9. Theimage pickup device according to claim 8, wherein the case has an innersurface and an outer surface, and wherein the plurality of secondprojections is formed on the inner surface.
 10. The image pickup deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein the case defines an insertion aperture,and wherein a portion of the lens holder is inserted into the insertionaperture.
 11. The image pickup device according to claim 8, wherein theplurality of first projections has a ring shape from a view in adirection of the optical axis.
 12. The image pickup device according toclaim 8, wherein the plurality of second projections has a ring shapefrom a view in a direction of the optical axis.
 13. The image pickupdevice according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of first projectionsincludes a conduction groove.
 14. The image pickup device according toclaim 8, further comprising an adhesive configured to bond the firstengaging part to the second engaging part.
 15. A method comprising:providing a lens holder configured to hold a lens, wherein the lensholder has a first surface that is perpendicular to an optical axis ofthe lens and a first engaging part on the first surface, the firstengaging part including a plurality of first projections; providing acase having a second surface and a second engaging part on the secondsurface, the second engaging part including a plurality of secondprojections, wherein a first interval of the plurality of firstprojections is wider than a first width of one of the plurality ofsecond projections, and wherein a second interval of the plurality ofsecond projections is wider than a second width of one of the pluralityof first projections; and engaging the plurality of first projectionswith the plurality of second projections.
 16. The method according toclaim 15, wherein providing the case having the second surface and thesecond engaging part on the second surface further includes providingthe case having an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein theinner surface is the second surface.
 17. The method according to claim16, further comprising inserting a portion of the lens holder into aninsertion aperture, wherein the insertion aperture is defined by thecase.
 18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the plurality offirst projections has a first ring shape from a view in a direction ofthe optical axis.
 19. The method according to claim 15, wherein theplurality of first projections includes a conduction groove.
 20. Themethod according to claim 15, further comprising providing an adhesiveby filling a space between the first engaging part and the secondengaging part with the adhesive to bond the first engaging part to thesecond engaging part.